THE Cross Country is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or the five-speed adaptive semi-automatic transmission known as Geartronic. At least it did until August 2001, when the two models on offer were rolled into just one Cross Country offering with Geartronic being the only transmissiion choice. The Cross Country is the epitome of the modern soft-roader, lacking a transfer case and a set of low range crawler gears for the really tough off-road work. The Cross Country's constant 4WD system includes a simple bevel drive off the front drive shaft and a rear differential and driveshaft. A viscous coupling mounted to the nose of the rear differential coupling can vary drive from as much 95/5 front bias to 50/50 depending on grip conditions. The Cross Country employs the TRACS traction control system (see Electronic Systems, previous page) to control spin at all four wheels rather than the mechanical system used by the XC.